energy department released the report on wednesday. it says the export of shale gas and other natural gas products would raise energy prices but would help the economy overall. the government is now ready to examine whether to give the go-ahead to export projects. a number of energy firms hope to export natural gas as the surge in shale gas output pushes domestic gas prices sharply lower. >>> the export plans include business with japan's electric and gas utilities. japanese energy firms have had to increase their use of thermal power plants since the nuclear accident and are keen to buy cheaper u.s. gas. officials at japan's transport ministry have ordered airlines to inspect boeing passenger jets. they say state-of-the-art 787 dreamliners have had problems with their fuel lines. the emergency order followed a fuel leak in october involving a 787 flown by all nippon airways. workers at boeing found that fuel line connectors designed to prevent leaks were not installed on that plane. officials at all nippon airways and japan airlines s